The business of live at Vegas’ LDI show, from global trends to espionage

There are few places on Earth where you can see the state of the live light and sound industry quite like Las Vegas’ LDI show. It comes with all the usual trade show trappings, from industrial espionage and theft to insanely expensive booths (and wastebaskets). But it also provides a glimpse into opportunities for individual and DIY artists to earn money, at a time when wide swaths of the creative industries feel like they’re coming unglued. That VJ/live visual or live sound career might be worth a second look. We got an exclusive report on the ground from Colin Keerhuen for CDM.

Fruity Loops Web! FL Studio arrives in a browser beta, with full compatibility

Mark your calendar: in the year of our Lord 2025, FL Studio is the first “legacy” production software to arrive with a full Web version, complete with native FL plug-ins. Start projects in your browser, and complete them in FL desktop software. It’s an installation-free FL, and that’s a big deal.

Peter Kirn - December 15, 2025

USA tariffs update: Bandcamp and Discogs issue warnings, more

Bandcamp and Discogs are issuing warnings. Those involved in media are pointing out that US Presidential authority doesn’t apply to items like CDs and vinyl, publications, and other media. And Bandcamp is even offering sellers the chance to disable sales to the USA. The Trump Administration-induced trade chaos continues.

Peter Kirn - August 29, 2025

Laurie Spiegel interview offers a way of thinking about community, imagination

Peter Kirn - April 7, 2025

Mood Machine: The rise of spotify and the cost of the perfect playlist - book cover by Liz Pelly showing Spotify-style thumbnails on a black background.

Mood Machine, Liz Pelly’s book on Spotify, will be a must-read

Peter Kirn - December 2, 2024

Class is in session: DeForrest Brown on Black innovation in music

Peter Kirn - April 23, 2024

Polyphonic patching, chords in cords: Tiptop Audio’s ART arrives

Peter Kirn - February 28, 2024

Bandcamp never seemed to fit Epic; now Epic is selling it to Songtradr

Peter Kirn - September 28, 2023

What the future of the NUC platform means for Ableton Push standalone

Peter Kirn - September 19, 2023

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